Abandoned homes, police firearms simulator on Vallejo City Council agenda

When asked about the biggest obstacle to combating Vallejo's large supply of abandoned, foreclosed and vacant homes, those fighting the problem say the answer is easy: Accountability.

Illegal tenants, drugs, prostitution, fires and other nuisances like weeds, mosquito-breeding pools and more are just some of the problems associated with empty homes.

The Vallejo City Council is set to vote Tuesday on creating a vacant property ordinance that would allow the city to zero in on who is responsible for empty homes, especially when problems arise.

To fund the new venture, an annual $368 fee would be assessed on those with homes registered on the list. The updated city ordinance would join the recent launch of the city's Neighborhood Law Project. That is an interdepartmental partnership to force property owners and banks to care for empty homes.

Also on Tuesday, the council will consider approving the Police Department's purchase of a nearly $200,000 state-of-the-art firearms simulator, using state grant funds. The move comes in the wake of last year's unusually high eight officer-involved shootings and six deaths, and particularly after the outcry over the Sept. 2 shooting death of Vallejoan Mario Romero. Beyond firearms, the simulator also will allow for training in all levels of police use-of-force, from verbal commands to Taser guns.

The council also is scheduled to consider:

* Interviewing and filling vacancies on various city commissions, boards and committees (6 p.m. special meeting)

* Taking the second and final vote on a city Housing and Community Development division reorganization (6:45 p.m. meeting)